Patriot TE Situation: A Bright Spot in 2025
With the NFL free agency season fast approaching on March 12, the Patriots are focusing on their tight end (TE) group, a position that has shown more promise than many others on the team. The TE room, led by Hunter Henry and bolstered by Austin Hooper, has been a reliable and productive part of the Patriots’ offense. Let’s delve into the current state of the TE group and what lies ahead for the 2025 season.
Hunter Henry: A Pillar of Reliability
Hunter Henry, signed by Bill Belichick in 2021, has been a consistent and high-performing asset for the Patriots. In 2024, under the Alex Van Pelt offense and alongside quarterback Drake Maye, Henry achieved career highs in catches and yards, recording 66 catches for 97 targets, 674 yards, and two touchdowns. This level of production from a 30-year-old player, especially after enduring a tough 2023 season, is highly encouraging. Henry’s contract, a three-year, $27 million deal with $15.8 million guaranteed, includes cap hits of around $11 million for the next two years. His performance in 2024 aligns well with his valuation, making him a cornerstone of the TE group.
Austin Hooper: A Solid Addition
Austin Hooper, a 30-year-old veteran, was one of the few free-agent successes for the Patriots in 2024. Hooper caught 45 of the 59 passes thrown to him and scored three touchdowns. His performance on a $3.1 million deal has earned him a more lucrative contract in the upcoming free agency. Hooper’s solid debut in New England has made him a valuable player, but his future with the team remains uncertain. His free agency status will be a critical point of negotiation for the Patriots as they look to maintain depth and reliability at the TE position.
The Bigger Picture: Tight Ends and the Passing Game
The TE group has been a saving grace for the Patriots, especially in the passing game. The consistent underperformance in the wide receiver room over the years was somewhat mitigated by the discovery and utilization of Rob Gronkowski in 2010. This decade, with Josh McDaniels back as the offensive coordinator, the focus might shift towards maximizing the TE’s production. Given the reliability of Henry and Hooper, it makes strategic sense to build the passing game around them while working to improve the wide receiver corps.
Addressing the Disappointments
While Henry and Hooper have been the bright spots, there are a few areas that could use improvement. Occasional drops and pre-snap penalties from Henry, along with the overall struggles of the blocking group, are points of concern. Additionally, seventh-round pick Jaheim Bell, despite showing promise in camp, saw limited playing time (83 offensive snaps, two catches for 20 yards). Finding more opportunities for Bell to contribute could add depth and versatility to the TE group.
Contract Statuses and Offseason Priorities
Hunter Henry’s contract remains a significant investment, with substantial cap hits in the next two years. Austin Hooper, on the other hand, will be a free agent after his solid debut season. The Patriots will need to decide whether to re-sign Hooper or look for a similar-caliber player to maintain the depth and reliability of their TE group. With both Henry and Hooper entering their 31-year-old seasons, drafting a young and talented TE is a prudent strategy. The 2025 draft class offers several promising prospects, including Tyler Warren, Colton Loveland, Mason Taylor, and Elijah Arroyo, with Warren and Loveland being top-10 prospects according to Daniel Jeremiah.
Offseason Priority: A 4 on the Scale
On a scale of 1 to 5, the offseason priority for the TE group is a 4. The Patriots need to ensure they either re-sign Hooper or find a replacement of similar ability. Drafting a young TE to complement Henry and provide long-term depth is also crucial. The team’s success in the passing game and overall offensive strategy will heavily depend on the continued productivity and development of the TE group.
